An impacted urethral stone: a rare cause of acute urinary retention in women—case report

Abstract

Background: Urethral calculi are rare, representing 1–2% of all calculi affecting the urinary tract. Impacted urethra calculi are commoner in males due to anatomical differences between the male and female urethra. The treatment approach is determined by the size and location of the stone, associated anomalies and available facilities. Case presentation: We present the case of 35-year-old woman who presented with acute urinary retention secondary to an impacted urethral stone. The calculus could not be removed through the external urethral meatus due to the size of the stone. She had cystolithotomy after retrograde manipulation to the bladder. She did well postoperatively. This line of management was based on the size of the stone, and the available facilities which are typical of many hospitals in developing countries. Conclusions: Urethral calculi are extremely rare in women. The treatment should be individualized.